Now that most states, including Colorado are under stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is as good of a time as any to pamper yourself.

With salons and spas closed, try these tips to add a little comfort to your day. It may improve your overall feeling of wellness, and you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a day spa visit.

Here are some ideas on how you can coddle yourself:

Skin

Dry skin is a common problem in Colorado. But it can become a major irritant or even a health issue if not treated. Find a good lotion and apply it all over after a bath or shower. You also can exfoliate your dry skin cells with various methods, including a sugar scrub (mix 1 cup granulated sugar with ½ cup oil). For more sugar scrub recipes, visit wellness mama.com

Or give yourself a milk bath. If it was good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for you. Here’s what you do: Fill a tub with warm water as normal, adding a small amount of lavender or other essential oil and bit of honey as you go (this helps the scent spread through the water). Mix in about 4 cups of milk. Use whole milk or buttermilk. Soak till water starts to cool. Rinse off in the shower afterward.

Facials

Most facials start with a warm damp towel on the face to open pores. One of the cheapest and easiest facials is the oatmeal facial. Pour one cup of hot water over 1/3 cup oatmeal. Let sit about 3 minutes, then mix in two tablespoons plain yogurt, two tablespoons honey and one egg white. Apply to face, then relax for 10-15 minutes to let it dry. Remove and rinse with warm water. For 20 different facial treatments you can do during your home spa day, using everything from beer to bananas, visit lifehack.org.

Hair

You can do hot-oil treatments for your hair. Just wash your hair as you normally do, then apply about two tablespoons of olive oil to the hair and wrap in a towel. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash again and dry as usual. For more home spa day treatment ideas, visit hercampus.com.

Hands and feet

Many spas do paraffin treatments for clients. But you can do it for your home spa day, easily. You will need one block of paraffin wax (about four ounces), one ounce of oil (like coconut, almond or jojoba), plus additional oil to coat your hands before applying paraffin. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent, if you wish. Melt the paraffin, the ounce of oil, and the essential oil in a double boiler.  Carefully pour the wax into a greased glass casserole dish and wait until a skin has formed on the top of the wax.  The temperature should be just about right to submerge your hands. Double check it with your kitchen thermometer (no hotter than 125 F). Test the wax on your wrist to ensure the temperature is not too hot. Prepare your hands by washing and drying them thoroughly. Smooth a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil (smells better) on your hands.

Dip each hand into the wax repeatedly until you have several layers of wax built up. Aim for between five to seven layers of wax. Have someone help you put plastic sandwich bags (or plastic wrap) onto each hand, then sit back and relax for about 30 minutes. For added benefit, place a bath towel over your hands as you wait to keep the warmth inside. To remove the wax, simply peel it off by starting at the wrist and working your way to the fingertips. The wax should come off in large sections. Be sure to seal it up in plastic and save it for next time. Give yourself a gentle hand massage when you are finished. Repeat with your feet. For more ideas on paraffin waxing, visit liveaobut.com.

And finally

Take a nap.

More tips:

Here are some other websites that offer home spa day treatment ideas:

https://www.glamour.com/gallery/13-diy-at-home-spa-tricks-2008-11

https://www.thedatingdivas.com/25-relaxing-diy-spa-night-ideas/

https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/diy-spa-day-for-cheap/

https://www.babble.com/babble-voices/pamper-yourself-diy-tips-for-a-spa-day-at-home/